Need a recomendation for a receiver

[witecap4u]

Looking for a good budget receiver to run 7.1 with the following speakers. Front Polk R50 and R300x4 for surrounds with a PSW10(for now) sub. I havent chosen a center channel yet but it will probably be a CSR or CS1.

Not really sure how much power I'll need, but I always love more... The system will be mainly for movies and TV. I'll want component video switching since my TV doesnt support HDMI or DVI. One other quirk I have is that if the volume numbers get smaller (start and -80 and go to 0 or +20) that annoys me. I prefer the 0-100 scheme, dont know why, that just bothers me. Budget im looking around 500 or less.

[halo]

Harman Kardon (click the link)

[thejck]

integra

[witecap4u]

Any specific model number on either of them? How much power do I really need? I've been looking around at the HK's, Denon, and Onkyo.

cs

[shadowofnight]

Bought my nephew the Onkyo 605 with R50's for the front ...some polk center channel ( At frys forgot number ) ...and the R150's for the surrounds....hooked it all up tonight with his new HR20 recorder ( Got the black one :) /PS3 and xbox360 ...all hdmi except for the xbox...and its component in to hdmi out from the 605 looked surprisingly good.

His room is next to my mom and dads so no sub for him...but it still sounded awesome in his pretty small room...the 37" lcd I got him earlier looked sweet input from the 605 with a single hdmi cable....I would recommend this 605 and the lower end polks in a heartbeat...he was really jazzed I hooked it all up for him on Christmas day :D

[xandra]

based on my own VERY LIMITED experience*, and reading others comments on this board and others:

Quick summary: Better audio quality out of Dennon & HK. Better interface/features with Onkyo.

you can Test sound differences for yourself: Take a few of your favorite disks, down to a good quality stereo shop, and play them on a few systems (with everything but receiver identical).

But - Your choice should be based on YOUR needs (as well as audio pickiness):
In my case, my priority was maximum foward/backward compatability, (cuz things are ludicrously transitional at the moment), & tons of and up to date (ie HDMI 1.3) connection options.

As a newbie, I also needed a very easy to use/understand product. So for me, the Onkyo turned out to be a fabulous choice - I'm thrilled with it. But in a few years, when things have settled down, I'll probably look into HK or Denon.

One thing: Be SURE to get a receiver with pre-amp outs (so you at least have an option to purchase an amp- should you win the lottery)

*Disclaimer: My only experience with a lower end Dennon stereo Reciever (circa 1990?), and Onkyo 7.1 Receiver (TX-SR 505 & 705). Obviously apples & oranges.

[ben62670]

Harman Kardon (click the link)

Can't beat the deals you get here. +1

[Bill Ayotte]

Check out NAD as well. I second the HK or Denon suggestions as well.

[Serendipity]

I have an Onkyo and it sounds wonderful. I would highly recommend Onkyo.

[halo]

I bought an HK AVR 340 over a year ago and it drives my R series speaks to insane levels (over 100db 4 over an hour - concert DVD).

Newer models have more / better connectivity. HK AVR 247 or HK AVR 347 should be all you need.

Cheers.

[ruf993turbo]

Depending on your price range, but I would recommend Denon or Onkyo...